Daniel Nugent-Bowman recently wrote about a turning point for Leon Draisaitl and the impact he’s having on games since mid-January. Nugent-Bowman quoted coach Ken Hitchcock (“he needed to change and just kinda slow down and understand that positioning and spacing on the ice was just as important as effort”) and offered what might be a key element involving the future of the Edmonton Oilers. Draisaitl’s adjustment, the tweak Hitchcock mentions, may be central in addressing the hurdles facing the club in the years to come.

The biggest challenge for this team? Same as it ever was, since fall 2015: Closing the gap between Connor McDavid on the ice and the minutes he is at rest. Oilers fans have argued well past the midnight hour about how best to use Draisaitl (with or without 97) but the truth is two veteran coaches have found a common answer. Both Todd McLellan and Ken Hitchcock have tried to split them, but when push comes to shove, both found that playing the...